logo
Fermanagh shooting suspect (43) dies in hospital

Fermanagh shooting suspect (43) dies in hospital

Ian Rutledge (43) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of gun wounds.
He was married to Vanessa Whyte (45) and was the father of her two children, James (14) and Sara (13).
Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning.
James was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, but died from his injuries later that day.
A PSNI statement issued on Monday evening said: 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.'
The statement added: 'Ian Rutledge was taken to hospital on Wednesday 23 July, where he remained in a serious condition. He passed away this evening, 28 July.'
Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.
Sources had previously said Rutledge had been experiencing depression and that his vision was deteriorating due to an underlying illness.
It is understood that Rutledge had returned to live at the family home in Maguiresbridge, having previously moved out following the end of a relationship several years earlier.
It is understood the 999 emergency call from the Drummeer Road residence on Wednesday morning was made from the phone of 13-year-old Sara.
Police have not yet confirmed who made the call, as the line remained silent during the emergency communication shortly before 8am.
However, the call handler was able to hear activity in the background, prompting the alert.
Attempts to return the call went unanswered.
Emergency services arrived at the house shortly before 8.30am.
Police described the scene inside the house as 'harrowing'.
A vigil for Vanessa, Sara and James is taking place in Armagh at 6pm on Monday evening.
On Friday, at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara were both previous pupils of, a vigil was also held for the three deceased family members.
A special prayer service also took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare – Ms Whyte's home village - on Sunday evening at 7pm.
Books of condolences have been opened at both the church and at Maguiresbridge Primary School.
Earlier on Sunday, a minute's silence was held for Vanessa, Sara and James, just moments before throw-in at the All Ireland senior football final between the Donegal and Kerry men's teams.
Text on the screen at Croke Park read: 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha' – which translates from Irish into English as: 'May their souls be seated on God's right hand.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tanaiste provides major update on kidnapped Gena Heraty in Haiti
Tanaiste provides major update on kidnapped Gena Heraty in Haiti

Irish Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

Tanaiste provides major update on kidnapped Gena Heraty in Haiti

An Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said 'intensive and ongoing efforts' aimed at securing the release of Gena Heraty and eight other hostages being held captive in Haiti, are continuing this evening. Ms Heraty, a native of Westport in Co Mayo, who is in her mid-50s, oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital, Port au Prince. The facility is operated by the humanitarian organisation 'Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs' (Our Little Brothers and Sisters). Ms Heraty was among eight staff kidnapped, as well as a three-year-old child, at around 3.30am on Monday (7.30am Irish time) in what has been described as a 'planned attack,' by Kenscoff Mayor Masillon Jean. In an updated statement on Monday evening, An Tanaiste provided an updated statement saying 'intensive and ongoing efforts aimed at securing the release of Gena, as well as the eight other hostages being held captive in Haiti, are continuing this evening.' 'This is an extremely sensitive case; one that is being worked on tirelessly by our teams in Dublin, Washington and London,' An Tanaiste said. 'Throughout the day, both my officials and I have been in close contact with Gena's family. 'We are also in touch with local authorities and Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, the organisation Gena works for. 'This evening, I want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring everything possible is done to bring about the release of Gena, her co-workers and indeed the three-year-old child at the centre of this case. 'Gena is a deeply courageous and kind-hearted person who has given so much of her life to the humanitarian work that she cares so much about. 'As Tánaiste, I treat the safety and well-being of all our citizens with seriousness and sensitivity. 'When further updates are available, they will be provided.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here

Teacher branded ‘Islamaphobic' and SACKED after describing Lucy Connolly's prison sentence as ‘two-tier policing'
Teacher branded ‘Islamaphobic' and SACKED after describing Lucy Connolly's prison sentence as ‘two-tier policing'

The Irish Sun

time5 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Teacher branded ‘Islamaphobic' and SACKED after describing Lucy Connolly's prison sentence as ‘two-tier policing'

Simon described Connolly's post as "obviously wrong" but went on to say her imprisonment was "two tier policy from the top down" 'TWO-TIER' FURY Teacher branded 'Islamaphobic' and SACKED after describing Lucy Connolly's prison sentence as 'two-tier policing' A TEACHER who was branded "Islamophobic" has been sacked after saying Lucy Connolly's prison sentence was 'two-tier policing'. Simon Pearson taught English to foreign language students at Preston College in Lancashire. 4 Lucy Connolly, 41, was sent to prison for 31 months in October after being found guilty of inciting racial hatred Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 4 Her tweet was viewed more than 300,000 times before she deleted it Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 4 She will go free from HMP Peterborough in August having served 40 per cent of her term, The Sun understands Credit: PA The 56-year-old was removed following an internal investigation after posting about Connolly - who was handed a 31-month sentence for inciting racial hatred in a social media post following last year's Southport riots. Simon described Connolly's post as "obviously wrong" but went on to say her imprisonment was "two tier policy from the top down". He was dismissed after a complaint from a Muslim rep of the NEU accused him of being 'Islamophobic' and 'racially discriminatory'. The teacher said he apologised and claimed to have provided evidence of his support for both Muslim students and asylum seekers. But it was found that the posts were a violation of the college's policies, damaging of professional relationships and likely to bring the college's reputation into disrepute. Simon has now started legal action, which has been filed at an employment tribunal, with claims of wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, harassment, and discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. He told The Telegraph: 'I am appalled by the way I've been treated. I've dedicated my life to education and to supporting students from all walks of life. 'Yet as soon as I was branded 'Islamophobic' for expressing concern about violent crime, I became a marked man. "It was clear that I had to be found guilty by the college, it became a witch hunt, and I had to be eliminated no matter what.' Lucy Connolly, 41, was sent to prison for 31 months in October after being found guilty of inciting racial hatred. She will go free from HMP Peterborough in August having served 40 per cent of her term, The Sun understands. Her tweet, which was viewed more than 300,000 times before she deleted it, said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f* hotels full of the b** for all I care… if that makes me racist so be it.' It had been prompted by false rumours that the suspect behind the murder of three girls at a dance class in Southport was an illegal immigrant. Connolly, from Northampton, the wife of a former Tory councillor, lost an appeal to reduce her sentence in May. Nigel Farage has previously called for her release and called her jail term 'absolutely excessive'. But Sir Keir Starmer has defended the sentence, saying he would 'always support' the UK court system. A spokesperson for the NEU said: "The management of Preston College reached a decision to dismiss the teacher following disciplinary procedures. "The NEU was not directly involved in these processes and it will be for the Employment Tribunal to consider the fairness of the dismissal if and when the claim reaches a hearing."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store